In the beginning, there was Michael...

This is the first commercial I remember that incorporated Hip-Hop dance. Now, mind you, its Michael Jackson doing it...But, still, I don't remember seeing any national commercials with Hip-Hop dance in it until this. That kid in the red jacket was LARGE at the time. He went onto do Fresh Prince of Bel Air (playing Carlton) among other things. Lets take a look at how a lot of it began. Its funny now to think how much of an impact this ad had in getting more corporations to use Hip-Hop/urban themes in their campaigns.

-Beyond Urban Branding

Comments

New Reese's Puffs Commercial

Resse's has been sticking with the urban feel for their commercials for a few years now. It must be working. The interesting thing is that they do small things to attract parents and kids to the brand. Its very subtle, but effective. They are sure to use kids of various races, so nobody feels left out. They always use an uptempo rap that chants the letters of the brand in creative ways. These guys pay attention. This one has a bit of a reto feel. All the haircuts are from the 80's. I suspect thats done to attract parents while the music and the editing and the cuts are meant for kids. Well played, Mr. Reese....well played.

Gap ad wins with Hip-Hop dance

Here is an ad for Gap khakis. Its a few years old I think. I like it because there is such a diverse range of races getting their groove on. Makes you wanna go get some, eh? But seriously, Hip-Hop dance, DJ's and graffiti art are still underused in advertising. I feel like everybody thinks Hip-Hop is just rap. For those that don't know Hip-Hop is composed of a few elements: Rap or MC'ing, DJ'ing, Graffiti, B-boy'ing and other forms of Hip-Hop dance. The second ad is a cool holiday ad featuring Common. Gap knows how to use rappers right in advertising campaigns. Both Gap ads shows that someone inside Gap knows that. Great look!!

Ciroc Vodka has 4 product placements in Drakes Forever video

Drakes Forever video is still raw. I was just watching it for fun, since I don't have the MP3. Then I saw the Ciroc bottles. I think I counted four times. On youtube alone it got seventeen million hits! We have not event talked about MTV and BET rotation. Its so sublime I can't tell if I'm impressed by it, or appalled by it. Sneaky.... -Beyond Urban Branding beyondurban@gmail.com

Beyond Urban Branding

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